BTU International Receives Additional Volume Orders for Meridian In-Line Diffusion Furnaces

NORTH BILLERICA, MA - BTU International, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTUI), a leading supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment and processes for the alternative energy and electronics manufacturing markets, today announced the receipt of two new orders for Meridian™ in-line diffusion furnaces. The orders, valued in excess of $18 million , were received from a new and an existing customer based in Asia . In both cases, the systems will be used for capacity expansions. Including these orders, cumulative shipments of BTU in-line diffusion tools will exceed two gigawatts.

"We recognize that when the solar industry is ramping at a rapid pace, it is a difficult time for customers to change their manufacturing process," said Paul van der Wansem, chairman and CEO of BTU. "However, with strong pressure to lower cost per watt, in-line, diffusion makes a strong case by offering state of the art cell efficiencies for existing and advanced cell processing, coupled with a lower cost of ownership.

"As we implement our alternative energy growth strategy, we are pleased that our products are increasingly chosen by customers who are incorporating competitive solutions that meet or exceed benchmark process results."

Shipments of these systems will commence this quarter and are scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2011.

BTU International is a market-leading, global supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment to the alternative energy and electronics assembly markets. BTU's equipment and expertise are used in the manufacturing of solar cells and nuclear fuel as well as the production of printed circuit board assemblies and semiconductor packaging. BTU has design and manufacturing operations in North Billerica, Massachusetts and Shanghai, China with direct sales and service worldwide. Further information about BTU International is available at http://www.btu.com